GE-10 i

Key Features

• Flagship stereo valve phono equalizer amplifier
• CR-type passive RIAA equalization circuit
• Cascode first-stage amplification
• Cathode-follower output stage for low output impedance
• Two completely independent channel power supplies
• Separate phono-amplifier and power-supply enclosures
• Two switchable RCA phono inputs
• Three selectable output-loading settings
• Integrated first-order low-cut filter
• Large shunt-type 6.3-volt DC heater supply
• Two E88CC and four 6072 signal tubes
• Dual EZ81 valve rectification
• Pure-copper main chassis
• Kondo pure-silver foil capacitors and silver-lead resistors
• Kondo SSW silk-insulated silver internal wiring
• Supplied with an ACz-AVOCADO power cable
• Hand-wired and manufactured in Japan

Design & Build

The GE-10i employs a CR-type equalization circuit selected for its natural tonal character. Its first stage uses a cascode configuration, followed by passive equalization and a cathode-follower output stage. The phono circuitry is assembled as compact hand-wired modules to keep signal paths short.

Four decoupling capacitors surround each amplification module, providing local energy reserves while minimizing the signal loop. Separate left- and right-channel power-supply circuits further improve channel separation.

The external power supply houses Kondo’s original transformers and chokes away from the sensitive phono circuitry. A large shunt-type DC heater supply reduces ripple and regulates the 6.3-volt heater voltage within ±5%.

System Pairing

The GE-10i provides two 47-kohm RCA inputs for moving-magnet cartridges or moving-coil cartridges used with a suitable step-up transformer. The front-panel selector allows two turntables, tonearms or cartridge-and-transformer combinations to remain connected.

Its three-position output-loading selector is adjusted according to the input impedance of the connected preamplifier. Together with the output coupling capacitor, it establishes an approximately 20-kohm load and creates a gentle low-cut filter to reduce subsonic energy from warped records.

The GE-10i was developed as the natural phono partner for the G-1000i, but its ability to operate into loads as low as 20 kohms also permits use with suitable valve or solid-state preamplifiers.